True crime television shows and podcasts have taken the world by storm. However, the stories of Black people who have been victimized are often ignored and underreported in this landscape. For today’s episode, we interview Candice Gaines, the host of Crime Noir, a podcast created to inform and increase awareness around the cases of missing, exploited, and murdered Black people. During this episode, we discuss Candice’s motivation for starting the podcast (50:10), her process for identifying and researching cases (52:21), and her most interesting cases (56:10). We then have a conversation about trends across cases (59:45), her recent Black History Month episode on lynching (1:01:12), and Fred Hampton’s killing and upcoming movie (1:07:47). We close the episode by discussing the need to cultivate leadership in young adults (1:10:55) and the importance of building connections between Black podcasters (1:20:00).

Archaeologist are essential to our understanding of human culture and activity throughout history. Unfortunately, people of African descent remain underrepresented in the field. For today’s episode, we discuss the importance of Black archaeologists in preserving neglected histories. Specifically, we interview Dr. Justin Dunnavant, a Vanderbilt University Academic Pathways Postdoctoral Fellow and the co-founding president of the Society of Black Archaeologists. During our conversation, we learn more about Dr. Dunnavant’s motivation for becoming an archaeologist (56:16) as well as myths and misconceptions about the field (58:15). We then explore his research (1:02:45), his life as a maritime archaeologists in search of slave ship wrecks (1:04:15), and his work as a consultant for the National Museum of African American History and Culture (1:11:55). We close the interview by discussing ways to reduce barriers to entry for Black students who may be interested in archaeology (1:14:05), the importance of and need for Black archaeologists (1:16:30), and the amazing things on the horizon for Dr. Dunnavant and the field more generally (1:22:18).

Building on last week’s discussion about the Black travel movement, today’s episode focuses on what it means to make the world our classroom. Specifically, we interview Sojourner White, a MSW candidate studying international Social Work and the founder of Sojournies, a site that provides resources on traveling abroad and navigating the world as a Black woman. During the episode we learn more about Sojourner’s background and motivation for documenting her travels through Sojournies (57:20) and how she bridges academic pursuits and traveling (1:01:50). We then have a conversation about myths and misconceptions related to international travel (1:04:25) how identity shapes International interactions and experiences (1:07:00), and the unique issues and opportunities that come with being a Black woman traveling abroad (1:12:10). We close the episode by discussing Black history and culture across the globe (1:18:35), Black hair care while traveling internationally (1:22:35), Sojourner’s favorite destinations (1:26:32), what people should consider when traveling alone (1:29:35) and how graduate students can travel on a budget (1:34:40).

Within recent years, the Black travel movement has gained momentum with the rise of black-owned agencies aimed at making international travel both accessible and affordable. For today’s episode, we interview Dr. Christopher L. Daniels, the cofounder of Motherland Connect, a premier student travel company that empowers HBCU students and alum to travel back to Africa and around the world. During our interview, we discuss Dr. Daniels’ background in foreign policy and African governance (48:11), the lack of engagement in international affairs among Americans (52:05), what the U.S. can learn from international governments (54:41), the importance of international trade in political discussions (57:12), and the role of international community building for Black economic empowerment (1:00:20). We also have a conversation about Dr. Daniels’ motivation starting Motherland Connect (1:02:00), myths and misconceptions about international travel (1:04:05), Dr. Daniels’ favorite destinations (1:09:45), and upcoming Motherland Connect excursions (1:11:34). We close the episode by having a conversation about ways to build community between Africans and African Americans (1:14:25).

For this episode, Ty and Daphne discuss life, recent news, and politics. After catching up (00:30), the hosts discuss “Oh Lawd” news (04:20), including a case of mistaken identity (4:41), a band-aid on a bullet wound (7:40), freak accidents at Mardi Gras (9:17), a forced history lesson (11:35), burger-scented candles (13:05), hidden curriculum in Tulsa (14:49), a mom’s 911 call for milk (15:30), and New Jersey’s response to homegrown terrorism (16:40). They then turn their attention to politics (19:50) and discuss Bernie’s momentum (21:45), the Nevada debate and caucus (23:25), and the potential for a brokered convention and a broken Democratic Party (26:21). They also have a conversation about potential VP picks (30:12), Bloomberg’s debate performance (32:35), the race beyond Super Tuesday (38:50), and wealth among Democratic politicians (41:35). Ty and Daphne wrap up the episode by sharing their thoughts on the Power finale and upcoming spinoffs (47:05), 50 Cent’s For Life (51:08) and their Netflix picks (51:50).

Over the years, the natural hair movement has encouraged women of African descent to embrace and celebrate their kinky, curly hair. For today’s topic, we explore the stories behind Black women’s crowns of glory by interviewing St. Clair Detrick-Jules, the author of Dear Khloe—a photo-book featuring narratives of Black women who rejected Eurocentric standards of beauty by embracing their natural hair. In addition to discussing the motivation behind Dear Khloe (45:35), we discuss St. Clair’s process for collecting powerful stories of self-acceptance (48:45), what she learned from the narratives (50:20), and her personal hair journey (53:35). We close the interview by discussing ways to practice self-love (58:10), key takeaways from the book (1:02:30), and her upcoming documentary on immigration (1:05:45).

Theatre has always played an important role in the expression of African American culture. However, when discussing this art form, we rarely get a look at the actors behind the stage who help make the production come to life. For today’s episode, we explore the art and practice of dramaturgy by interviewing Dr. Martine Green-Rogers, the President of the Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas. In addition to discussing the importance of dramaturgs for helping playwrights to enact their vision (1:06:11), Dr. Green-Rogers provides insight into life behind the scenes by sharing her professional production experiences (1:10:32). We also have a conversation about violence in African American productions (1:16:26), Dr. Green-Roger’s favorite productions (1:29:12), the importance of talk backs for addressing sensitive subjects in plays (1:34:15), and Dr. Green-Roger’s insight into Slave Play and black story telling in theatre (1:44:22). We close the episode by discussing Black playwrights on the rise (1:54:15)

From afros to braids and locs, Black hairstyles have long been an expression of beauty, individuality, and resistance in the Black community. For today’s episode, we also explore the link between Black hair and self-care by interviewing Dr. Afiya Mbilishaka, a therapist and Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of the District of Columbia. During the episode, we discuss her research and program of practice called "PsychoHairapy," where she uses hair as an entry point for mental health services in beauty salons and barbershops (48:30). We also have a conversation about the significance of hair in the lives of Black women today (54:00) as well as the link between hair and wellness (59:50). Next, we discuss the recent trend of African American students being targeted because of their hair (1:03:55) and ways to combat discrimination against our beautiful coils and curls (1:08:52). We close by discussing race narrative therapy and the healing power of Black hair care spaces (1:13:20).

For this episode, Ty and Daphne discuss recent news and politics. After catching up on life (00:30), the hosts discuss “Oh Lawd” news, including a case of attending class while Black (3:50), an airport money seizure (6:32), the 2020 retail apocalypse (10:35), the coronavirus (12:50), Kanye West’s latest ridiculousness (16:25), hair discrimination in Texas (18:00), and Terry Crew’s comments about AGT (22:15). They then turn their attention to politics and discuss the explosive Trump recordings (29:20), whether we’re headed for a 2016 repeat (31:45), Joe Rogan’s endorsement of Bernie Sanders (39:00), Hillary Clinton’s latest comments (45:40), and which Democratic candidates have been most effective in their political roles (50:55). The hosts close the episode by discussing the Supreme Court’s decision to allow the Flint water lawsuits to move forward (1:04:25) and responding to a listener’s reaction/question about our recent comments on Black identity and interracial relationships (1:05:25).

For this episode, Ty and Daphne discuss recent news and politics. After catching up on life (00:30), the hosts discuss “Oh Lawd” news (7:10), including a Walmart layaway scheme (7:35), a professor making it rain with grant money (10:35), a woman’s dangerous test of faith (12:00), a new development in male birth control (14:00), and a pilot’s shocking airport behavior (16:05). They then turn their attention to the latest Democratic debate. They begin by discussing the lack of diversity on the debate stage (18:50), whether or not Steyer entered the race too late (21:35), the remaining candidates’ engagement with racial issues (24:45), and the business of running for office (28:05). Ty and Daphne then turn their attention to the Warren and Sanders controversy and discuss how identity shapes electoral politics (30:50). The hosts also have a conversation about whether they prefer “perfection” or growth in a political candidate (36:45), the “Never Warren” hashtag (42:35), and the tendency for some people to become emotionally invested in political candidates (46:02). The hosts close the episode by discussing Black political attitudes (53:35), Biden’s popularity among Black voters (56:11), whether the upcoming caucuses represent the Black voice (1:03:30), Hillary Clinton’s political missteps (1:08:45) and important points to consider when choosing between candidates (1:12:10).

The purpose of this podcast is to take everyday questions, conversations, and debates and attempt to provide answers by including up-to-date research along with occasional interviews from experts. This podcast is meant to bridge the gap between the world of academia and The People. When you listen to us, you’ll always have new facts to bring to the conversation with friends on the hottest topics. And as always, continue to be the oppressor’s worst fear.